Sony Digital Camcorder DSR PD150 Operating Instructions

							Additional Information
141
Compatibility of DVCAM and DV formats
Compatibility on editing using DV connectorsWhen this digital camcorder is connected to other DVCAM or DV video equipment
using DV connectors, the recording format of edited tapes is defined according to
recorder’s format as described below.
Source tape Player’s format Recorder’s format Recording format
DVCAM-formatted 2) 3)DVCAM DVCAM DVCAM
DVCAM-formatted DVCAM DV DV 4)
DVCAM-formatted 2)DV 5)DVCAM DVCAM 7)
DVCAM-formatted DV 5)DV DV 4)
DV-formatted 6)DVCAM DVCAM DVCAM 1)
DV-formatted 6)DVCAM DV DV
DV-formatted DV DVCAM DVCAM 1)
DV-formatted DV DV DV
1)When using the mini DVCAM video equipment to carry out DV dubbing of a tape
recorded in DV format, the tape produced will be in DVCAM format as follows:
–Audio recording mode will be unlock mode.
–The time code format will be partly maladjusted. (There will be no effect on the
recorded picture except in certain case.)
2)If the tape is to be dubbed is DVCAM formatted tape as in 1), the tape produced will
be in DVCAM format as follows:
–Audio recording mode will be unlock mode.
–The time code format will be partly maladjusted.
3) Depending on signal conditions of the source tape, you may not be able to edit the
tape using the DV connectors.
4) Audio recording mode of the edited tape is lock mode.5) Some mini DV video equipment may be able to play back a DVCAM-formatted tape.
Even if the tape is played back, contents of the playback cannot be guaranteed.
6) DV-formatted tapes recorded in SP mode only can be used as source tapes.7) Depending on model of video equipment, you may not be able to edit.
Limitations on editingYou will find the following limitations when editing.
•Due to the difference of a track pitch, you cannot record or edit on DV-formatted tapes
using mini DVCAM video equipment.
•Depending on signal conditions, you may not be able to record or edit on DVCAM-
formatted tapes.
In these cases, do the following:
• Edit using audio/video jacks.
• Dub a DV-formatted tape using audio/video jacks, then use the dubbed tape as a
source tape. 
						

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Usable cassettes
Selecting cassette types
You can use the  mini DVCAM cassette* and  mini DV cassette* in this
camcorder. You cannot use any other  DV,  8 mm,  Hi8,  Digital 8,  VHS,  S-VHS,  VHSC,  S-VHSC,  Betamax or  ED Betamax cassette.
*There are two types of mini DVCAM/mini DV cassettes: with cassette memory and
without cassette memory. Tapes with cassette memory have  (Cassette Memory) mark.
Sony recommends that you use a tape with  mark to enjoy your camcorder fully.
The IC memory is built in the cassette with cassette memory. Using this IC memory,
your camcorder can read, write, and search data such as the date of recording or titles.
The functions using the cassette memory require successive signals recorded on the
tape. If the tape has a blank portion in the beginning or between the recorded portions,
a title may not be displayed properly or the search functions may not work correctly.
Not to make any blank portion on the tape, press END SEARCH to return to the end of
the recorded portion before you begin the next recording when:
–You have ejected the cassette while recording.
–You have played back the tape in VCR mode.
If there is a blank portion or discontinuous signal on your tape, re-record from the
beginning to the end of the tape concerning above.
When you record, using a digital video camera recorder without a cassette memory
function, on a tape recorded by one with the cassette memory function, the same result
may occur.
 mark on the cassette
The memory capacity of tapes marked with  is 16Kb. Your camcorder can
accommodate up to 16Kb.
The maximum number of data recordable on cassette memory (when using 16 Kb
cassette memory)
Data Numbers
INDEX 135 (15 bytes/One item of the data)
TITLE 106
DATE 24 (10 bytes/One item of the data)
PHOTO 48 (10 bytes/One item of the data)
CASSETTE LABEL 1
The numbers above are as a guide.
Copyright signal
When you play back
When you connect your camcorder to any other video camera recorder to dub a tape
that has recorded copyright control signals for copyright protection, you may not
record the tape that played back on your camcorder.
When you record
You cannot record software on your camcorder that contains copyright control
signals for copyright protection of software.
“COPY INHIBIT” appears on the LCD screen, in the viewfinder or on the TV screen if
you try to record such software.
Your camcorder does not record copyright control signals on the tape when it records. 
						

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Usable cassettes
Audio mode
Fs32K (12-bit) mode: The original sound can be recorded in channels 1 and 2, and the
new sound in channels 3 and 4 in 32 kHz. The balance between channels 1/2 and
channels 3/4 can be adjusted by selecting AUDIO MIX in the menu settings during
playback and audio dubbing. Both sounds can be played back. You can monitor the
sound during audio dubbing.
Fs48K (16-bit) mode: A new sound cannot be recorded but the original sound can be
recorded in high quality using two channels. The audio mode can be indicated on the
LCD screen or in the viewfinder.
You may not add a sound on a DVCAM-formatted tape which does not comply with
the condition of the DVCAM format as described on page 140 or when you recorded on
a DV-formatted tape. In this case, “NS” appears on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.
Notes on the mini DVCAM/mini DV cassette
When affixing a label on the mini DVCAM/mini DV cassetteBe sure to affix a label only on the locations as illustrated below [a] so as not to cause
malfunction of your camcorder.
After using the mini DVCAM/mini DV cassetteRewind the tape to the beginning, put the cassette in its case, and store it in an upright
position.
If the cassette memory function does not workReinsert a cassette a few times. The gold-plated connector of mini DVCAM/mini DV
cassettes may be dirty or dusty.
Cleaning the connectorIf the gold-plated connector of mini DVCAM/mini DV cassettes is dirty or dusty, you
may not operate the function using cassette memory. Clean up the gold-plated
connector with cotton-wool swab, about every 10 times ejection of a cassette. [b]
[a]
[b]Do not affix a label
around this border. 
						

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About i.LINK
Your camcorder is equipped with the DV input/output connector based on i.LINK
(IEEE1394) standard.
This section explains the specifications and features of i.LINK.
What is i.LINK?
i.LINK is a digital serial interface designed to integrate the devices equipped with
i.LINK connector.  By connecting i.LINK devices, i.LINK allows your device to:
–Transmit and receive data such as digital audio and digital video signals in two ways
–Control other i.LINK devices
–Easily connect with another device using just an i.LINK cable.
Your i.LINK device is capable of connecting AV devices and perform various
operations and data transfer.  Further availability for connections with versatile
equipment and operations will be planned in the future.
Other advantages include the following feature. When connecting multiple i.LINK
devices, your device cannot only perform operations and data transfer with the directly
connected device but also perform them with any of the devices that are connected via
other devices. Therefore, you will not need to concern the order of connecting devices.
However, depending on the features and specifications of the connected devices, you
may need to operate certain functions differently or may not be able to perform certain
operations or data transfer.
Note
Your camcorder can be connected to one device with the i.LINK cable (DV cable).
When you connect with a device that has two or more i.LINK connectors, refer to the
operating instructions supplied with the connected device.
Tips
•i.LINK, a nickname for IEEE 1394 that Sony proposed, is a trademark supported by a
majority of companies worldwide.
•IEEE 1394 is an international standard defined by IEEE, The Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers, Inc.
About data transfer speed of i.LINK
i.LINK defines a maximum data transfer speed of approximately 100, 200 and 400
Mbps* that are described as S100, S200 and S400 respectively.
For i.LINK devices, a maximum data transfer speed that the device supports is
identified on “specifications” page of the operating instructions supplied with the
device or near its i.LINK connector.
With a device that does not identify the data transfer speed, the maximum data transfer
speed that the device supports is S100.
When connecting with the device that support different data transfer speed, the actual
data transfer speed may be different from those described on the i.LINK connectors.
*What is Mbps?
Mega bits per second. A measure of the rate at which data is transmitted per second. In
case of 100 Mbps, 100 Mega bits of data can be transmitted per second.
i. LINK operation with your camcorder
For details on dubbing your camcorder to your VCR equipped with DV input/output
connector , see pages 73, 83.
Your camcorder is available for use with other devices equipped with Sony i.LINK (DV)
connector.
For details on connection with i.LINK cable and necessary software, refer to the
operating instructions supplied with the connected device.
Use Sony i.LINK cables
Use Sony i.LINK cables to connect the i.LINK devices.
4 pins y 4 pins (For dubbing)
i.LINK and 
 are trademarks. 
						

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Troubleshooting
If you run into any problem using your camcorder, use the following table to
troubleshoot the problem. If the problem persists, disconnect the power source and
contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. If “C:ss:ss”
appears on the LCD screen, display window or in the viewfinder, the self-diagnosis
display function has worked. See page 151.
In the recording mode
Symptom
START/STOP does not
operate.
The power goes off.
The image on the viewfinderscreen is not clear.
The SteadyShot function
does not work.
The autofocusing function
does not work.
The fader function does notwork.
A vertical band appears
when you shoot a subject
such as lights or a candle
flame against a dark
background.
Vertical streaks appear
when you shoot a very
bright subject.Cause and/or Corrective Actions
•The POWER switch is not set to CAMERA.
cSet it to CAMERA. (p. 16)
•The tape has run out.
cRewind the tape or insert a new one. (p. 15, 29)
•The write-protect tab on the cassette is set to expose the red
mark.
cUse a new tape or slide the tab. (p. 15)
•The auto logo insert function is activated.
cRefer to the operating instructions (for the auto logo insert
function) supplied with this camcorder.
•The tape is stuck to the drum (moisture condensation).
cRemove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at least
one hour to acclimatize. (p. 155)
•The battery pack is dead or nearly dead.
cInstall a charged battery pack. (p. 10, 11)
•The viewfinder lens is not adjusted.
cAdjust the viewfinder lens. (p. 20)
•STEADYSHOT is set to OFF in the menu settings.
cSet it to ON. (p. 104)
•The camcorder is in manual focus mode.
cTurn to auto focus mode. (p. 58)
•Shooting conditions are not suitable for autofocus.
cAdjust focus manually. (p. 58)
•The digital effect function is working.
cCancel it. (p. 39)
•The contrast between the subject and background is too
high. This is not a malfunction.
•This is called the smear phenomenon. This is not a
malfunction.
(continued on the following page) 
						

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Troubleshooting
Symptom
Some tiny white spots
appear on the LCD screen or
in the viewfinder.
The click of the shutter does
not sound.
The image is not bright even
if you use the video flash
light.
In the playback mode
Symptom
The tape does not move
when a video control button
is pressed.
The playback button does
not function.
There are horizontal lines on
the picture or the playback
picture is not clear or does
not appear.
No sound or only a low
sound is heard when
playing back a tape.
The title search function
does not work.
Cause and/or Corrective Actions
•When the shutter speed is too low.
•BEEP is set to OFF in the menu settings.
cSet it to MELODY or NORMAL. (p. 104)
•The ND FILTER selector is set to 1 or 2.
cSet it to OFF. (p. 46)
•The manual adjustment is not suitable for the situations.
(The 
 indicator flashes.)
cSet the AUTO LOCK selector to AUTO LOCK, or cancel
the manual adjustment. (p. 42)
Cause and/or Corrective Actions
•The POWER switch is not set to VCR.
cSet it to VCR. (p. 26)
•The tape has run out.
cRewind the tape. (p. 29)
•The video head may be dirty.
cClean the heads using the Sony DVM12CL cleaning
cassette (not supplied). (p. 156)
•The volume is turned to minimum.
cTurn up the volume. (p. 26)
•AUDIO MIX is set to the CH3/4 side in the menu settings.
cAdjust AUDIO MIX. (p. 104)
•The tape has no cassette memory.
cUse a tape with cassette memory. (p. 66, 142)
•CM SEARCH is set to OFF in the menu settings.
cSet it to ON. (p. 104)
•There is no title in the tape.
cSuperimpose the titles. (p. 94)
•The tape has a blank portion in the recorded portion. (p. 66) 
						

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Troubleshooting
Symptom
Displaying the recorded
date, date search function
does not work.
The new sound now being
added, or that has been
added to the recorded tape
is not heard.
The title is not displayed.
The sound is muted or
images do not appear when
monitoring images through
TV.
In the recording and playback modes
Symptom
The power does not turn on.
The end search function
does not work.
The end search functiondoes not work correctly.
The picture does not appear
in the viewfinder.
The battery pack is quickly
discharged.
The battery remaining
indicator does not indicate
the correct time.
Cause and/or Corrective Actions
•The tape has no cassette memory.
cUse a tape with cassette memory. (p. 67, 142)
•CM SEARCH is set to OFF in the menu settings.
cSet it to ON. (p. 104)
•The tape has a blank portion in the recorded portion. (p. 68)
•AUDIO MIX is set to the CH1/2 side in the menu settings.
cSet it to the side you want to monitor. (p. 104)
•TITLE DSPL is set to OFF in the menu settings.
cSet it to ON. (p. 104)
cPull out the A/V connecting cable from the AUDIO CH1/
CH2 and VIDEO jacks, then connect it again.
 Cause and/or Corrective Actions
•The battery pack is not installed, or is dead or nearly dead.
cInstall a charged battery pack. (p. 10, 11)
•The AC power adaptor is not connected to a wall outlet.
cConnect the AC power adaptor to a wall outlet. (p. 14)
•The tape was ejected after recording when using a tape
without cassette memory. (p. 25, 29)
•You have not recorded on the new cassette yet. (p. 25, 29)
•The tape has a blank portion in the beginning or middle.
(p. 25)
•The LCD panel is open.
cClose the LCD panel. (p. 18)
•The operating temperature is too low.
•The battery pack is not fully charged.
cCharge the battery pack fully. (p. 11)
•The battery pack is completely dead, and cannot be
recharged.
cReplace with a new battery pack. (p. 10)
•You have used the battery pack in an extremely hot or cold
environment for a long time.
•The battery pack is completely dead, and cannot be
recharged.
cReplace with a new battery pack. (p. 10)
•The battery is dead.
cUse a full-charged battery pack. (p. 10, 11)
(continued on the following page) 
						

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Troubleshooting
Symptom
The cassette cannot be
removed from the holder.
The % and Z indicators
flash and no functions
except for cassette ejection
work.
 indicator does not
appear when using a tape
with cassette memory.
Remaining tape indicator is
not displayed.
When operating using the “Memory Stick”
Symptom
Operations do not function.
Recording does not function.
The image cannot be
deleted.
You cannot format the“Memory Stick.”
Deleting all the images
cannot be carried out.
You cannot protect the
image.
You cannot write a print
mark on the still image.
Cause and/or Corrective Actions
•The power source is disconnected.
cConnect it firmly. (p. 11, 14)
•The battery is dead.
cUse a charged battery pack. (p. 10, 11)
•Moisture condensation has occurred.
cRemove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at least
one hour to acclimatize. (p. 155)
•The gold-plated connector of the tape is dirty or dusty.
cClean the gold-plated connector. (p. 143)
•The q REMAIN is set to AUTO in the menu settings.
cSet it to ON to always display the remaining tape
indicator. (p. 104)
Cause and/or Corrective Actions
•The POWER switch is set to CAMERA or OFF (CHG).
cSet it to MEMORY or VCR.
•The “Memory Stick” is not inserted.
cInsert a “Memory Stick.” (p. 115)
•The auto logo insert function is activated.
cRefer to the extra operating instructions (for Auto Logo
Insert).
•The “Memory Stick” has already been recorded to its full
capacity.
cErase unnecessary images and record again. (p. 118, 136)
•The “Memory Stick” formatted incorrectly is inserted.
cFormat the “Memory Stick” or use another “Memory
Stick.” (p. 108)
•The write-protect tab on the “Memory Stick” is set to LOCK.
cSet the tab to write. (p. 113)
•The image is protected.
cCancel image protection. (p. 135)
•The write-protect tab on the “Memory Stick” is set to LOCK.
cSet the tab to write. (p. 113)
•The write-protect tab on the “Memory Stick” is set to LOCK.
cSet the tab to write. (p. 113)
•The write-protect tab on the “Memory Stick” is set to LOCK.
cSet the tab to write. (p. 113)
•The write-protect tab on the “Memory Stick” is set to LOCK.
cSet the tab to write. (p. 113)
•The image to be protected is not being played back.
cPress MEMORY PLAY to play back the image. (p. 129)
•The write-protect tab on the “Memory Stick” is set to LOCK.
cSet the tab to write. (p. 113)
•The image that you will write a print mark is not being
played back.
cPress MEMORY PLAY to play back the image. (p. 129) 
						

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Troubleshooting
Symptom
The photo save function
does not work.
Others
Symptom
The title is not recorded.
The cassette label is not
recorded.
While editing using the
i.LINK cable (DV connecting
cable), recording picture
cannot be monitored.
Digital program editing
does not function.
Cause and/or Corrective Actions
•The write-protect tab on the “Memory Stick” is set to LOCK.
cSet the tab to write. (p. 113)
•The battery pack is dead.
cInstall a charged battery pack or use the AC power
adaptor instead of the battery pack. (p. 10, 14)
Cause and/or Corrective Actions
•The tape has no cassette memory.
cUse a tape with cassette memory. (p. 94, 142)
•The cassette memory is full.
cErase unnecessary title. (p. 97)
•The tape is set to prevent accidental erasure.
cSlide the write-protect tab so that red portion is not
visible. (p. 15)
•Nothing is recorded in that position on the tape.
cSuperimpose the title to the recorded position. (p. 95)
•The tape has no cassette memory.
cUse a tape with cassette memory. (p. 100, 142)
•The cassette memory is full.
cErase some data. (p. 102)
•The tape is set to prevent accidental erasure.
cSlide the write-protect tab so that red portion is not
visible. (p. 15)
cDisconnect the i.LINK cable (DV connecting cable), and
connect it again. (p. 73)
•The input selector on the VCR is not set correctly.
cCheck the connection and set up the selector position.
(p. 72)
•Setting program on a blank portion of the tape is attempted.
cSet the program again on a recorded portion. (p. 78)
•Your camcorder and the VCR are not synchronized.
cSynchronize them. (p. 75)
(continued on the following page) 
						

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Troubleshooting
Symptom
The Remote Commander
supplied with your
camcorder does not work.
The input picture does not
appear on the LCD screen or
in the viewfinder when your
camcorder is connected to
outputs on the TV or VCR.
The melody or beep sounds
for five seconds.
When charging the battery
pack, no indicator appears
or the indicator flashes in
the display window.
You cannot charge thebattery pack.
The camcorder is
immediately turned off even
if the amount of the battery
remaining time is enough to
operate.
No function works though
the power is on.
Cause and/or Corrective Actions
•COMMANDER is set to OFF in the menu settings.
cSet it to ON. (p. 104)
•Something is blocking the infrared rays.
cRemove the obstacle.
•The batteries are inserted in the battery holder with the + –
polarities incorrectly.
cInsert the batteries with the correct polarity. (p. 168)
•The batteries are dead.
cInsert new ones. (p. 168)
•DISPLAY is set to V-OUT/LCD in the menu settings.
cSet it to LCD. (p. 104)
•Moisture condensation has occurred.
cRemove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at least
one hour to acclimatize. (p. 155)
•Some troubles have occurred in your camcorder.
cRemove the cassette and insert it again, then operate your
camcorder.
•The AC power adaptor is disconnected.
cConnect it properly.
•The battery pack malfunctions.
cContact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service
facility.
•The POWER switch is not set to OFF (CHG).
cSet it to OFF (CHG).
cCharge the battery pack fully again.
The correct remaining time is displayed.
•Disconnect the power cord of the AC power adaptor or
remove the battery, then reconnect it after about one minute.
Turn the power on. If the functions still do not work, press
the RESET button located at the lower-right of the ZEBRA
selector using a sharp-pointed object. (If you press the
RESET button, all the settings including the date and time
return to the default.) (p. 14, 162)